The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged the National Peace Committee (NPC) and other critical stakeholders to intensify efforts aimed at rebuilding public trust and promoting peaceful participation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, made the appeal at a Stakeholder Briefing and Presentation of the Annotated Peace Accord organised by the NPC in Abuja.
The event drew leaders of political parties, heads of security agencies and civil society organisations, underscoring a broad-based commitment to credible and violence-free elections. Former Head of State and Chairman of the Committee, Abdulsalami Abubakar, was represented by the Convener of the Peace Committee, Mathew Hassan Kukah.
Trust Deficit a Major Concern
Prof. Amupitan described the prevailing trust deficit in the electoral system as worrisome and called on the NPC to play a greater role in restoring confidence.
“For us, we appeal to the National Peace Committee to help in building trust. The trust deficit is such that anywhere you go, it is palpable. If voters do not participate, then whoever emerges… it is also in our interest that everybody continues to participate. We will get it right one day,” he said.
He noted that nearly all members of the Commission, alongside directors and senior management staff, attended the engagement a move he said signalled INEC’s seriousness about democratic consolidation.
The INEC Chairman described Nigeria’s electoral landscape as diverse, complex and highly competitive, stressing that democratic growth must be anchored on both legality and legitimacy.
“Let the process be so transparent that whoever emerges will not only have legality but legitimacy,” he stated.
He emphasised that INEC remains open to scrutiny and constructive criticism.
“Constitutionally, INEC is the custodian of Nigerian democracy and elections. Whatever comments are made, we don’t get angry. We process them and see how we can improve,” he added.
Prof. Amupitan maintained that while the Commission continues to refine its processes, credible elections cannot depend solely on INEC.
He urged political parties to improve voter mobilisation and internal discipline, noting that sustained civic engagement is critical to reversing declining voter turnout.
Expressing concern over low voter turnout in recent elections, the INEC Chairman stressed that widespread public confidence is essential for democratic legitimacy.
He disclosed that the Commission has introduced additional safeguards to enhance consistency and accuracy in results management, adding that the measures were tested in recent elections.
On misinformation, he warned that the spread of false narratives during elections undermines public confidence and can inflame tensions.
According to him, INEC works closely with security agencies and relevant institutions to counter disinformation and ensure factual reporting.
Addressing electoral offences, particularly vote trading, he reiterated that such acts remain criminal under Nigerian law and must be decisively tackled. He urged law enforcement agencies to promptly conclude investigations and prosecute offenders.
The Commission, he added, is also prioritising the sanitisation of the voter register, acknowledging concerns about duplication and outdated records. An authentic and credible register, he stressed, is foundational to credible elections.
Prof. Amupitan described the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states as critical milestones on the road to 2027.
He revealed that INEC is considering additional technology testing, including mock exercises in selected polling units, to strengthen operational preparedness.
The Chairman also appealed for the timely release of election funds in line with amended legal provisions, noting that early access to resources is essential for procurement, logistics and effective planning.
In a goodwill message delivered on his behalf, Gen. Abdulsalami reaffirmed the NPC’s commitment to providing a neutral platform for dialogue, mediation and confidence building.
He noted that since 2015, the Peace Accord has served as a stabilising instrument in Nigeria’s electoral process.
He described the Annotated Peace Accord as an enhanced framework designed to provide clarity, guidance and preventive engagement among stakeholders.
“The responsibility of safeguarding our democracy rests with all of us,” he stated, calling for sustained collaboration, restraint and responsible conduct from political actors, institutions and citizens.
Prof. Amupitan added that the stakeholder engagement forms part of ongoing efforts by the Commission to deepen cooperation, reinforce peaceful conduct and strengthen public confidence as preparations intensify toward the 2027 General Election.